Marie E. Hurley, 88, of Shrewsbury

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Obit Marie HurleyShrewsbury – Throughout Marie Hurley’s life faith, hope and love guided her until her passing with the presence of her family Saturday, July 4, 2015 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester. She was 88.

Marie E. Dowd was born Aug. 30, 1926 in Worcester, a daughter of the late John P. and Margaret (Shea) Dowd. She graduated from Commerce High School in 1944 and began work at the former Norton Insurance Agency. After the death of Jean Ryan, she later married John T. Hurley Sept. 2, 1961 in St. Joan of Arc Church and moved to Shrewsbury where she would spend many happy years on South Street at “Emeraldale Farm.” Together they raised John and Jean’s children whom she always considered her own.

Life at Emeraldale allowed her to work her green thumb in her vegetable and flower gardens and help tend to all the livestock. Life with John encompassed many things outside of raising a family. They loved their “Irish group” with whom they would often travel and nights out at the Knights of Columbus.

She worked for Leonard Stranieri Studios in Shrewsbury and loved her work organizing photo albums for the many brides and high school graduation photos. She later worked at Hallmark and would organize the card display racks at Stop & Shop in Shrewsbury and Westborough. She was a perfectionist and was well suited to manage each holiday card shortly after one had just passed.

After John’s death Dec. 21, 1996 she remained at Emeraldale until 2000 when she moved to the Orchard Meadow Community.

Life was simple but good for Marie and her needs were few. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church and enjoyed trips with its Jet Set group. She was grateful for television Mass so that she could attend Mass daily in her later years.

Marie was a talent in the kitchen, but best known for her baking. An avid New England sports fan she watched each team play and was known to even watch a good horse race or round of golf. She kept her mind active with daily crosswords, enjoyed her visits and FaceTime with the great-grandchildren who nicknamed her “GG.”

In addition to her husband, John, she was predeceased by her son-in-law, Kip R. Billings, and her only sister, Eileen A. DiBenedetto.

Mourning her loss, but celebrating her life is her family: her children, JoAnne Billings of Boylston, John M. Hurley and his wife, Tina of Douglas and Daniel M. Hurley and his partner, Tina Johnson of Boylston; her grandchildren., Jessica Cousins and her husband, James, John M. Hurley and his wife, Marcia, Caitlin Porcaro and her husband, Bryan, Ryan Billings and his wife, Danielle, Greg Hurley and his partner, Amanda Vanderburg, Allison Wells and her husband, Mickey and D.J. Hurley; her great-grandchildren, Cameron and Jack Wells and Gianni Porcaro; her brother-in-laws, James Hurley of Shrewsbury and David Hurley of Lansdale, Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews; three remaining cousins, Rev. Thomas Shea, Sr. Mary Shea and David Shea.

Family and friends will honor and remember Marie’s life by gathering for calling hours at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center Tuesday, July 7, from 5-8 p.m., and again Wednesday morning, July 8 before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Celebrate Marie’s life and wear purple at the request of the family. Burial will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

Memorials in her name may be made to St. Mary’s Church, Capital Campaign, 18 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

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